Ancilla Blue
Common NameAncilla Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus ancilla
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, grey, black, orange
HabitatAlpine meadows, subalpine zones, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeCentral Asia, Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Himalayas
Host PlantsAstragalus, Oxytropis
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and larvae feed on leaves and flowers, often forming symbiotic relationships with ants (myrmecophilous). The species typically overwinters in the larval stage.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the pale blue-grey underside with a specific pattern of black spots and the prominent orange submarginal lunules on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue-grey underside, adorned with numerous black spots and a distinctive row of orange-capped black spots along the hindwing margin.
